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Career Conversations

Career Conversations is a virtual forum to exchange ideas about issues and strategies to build a successful career in gerontology. Through semi-structured interviews, panels, and discussions, Career Conversations brings together students, early- and mid-career gerontologists, and experienced researchers and leaders in gerontology. Throughout the year, a variety of topics will be covered.

How to Register for a GSA Career Conversation

  • Click the white “Login” button on the top right corner of the page.
  • Enter your GSA username and password.*
    • If you have forgotten your password, select “Forgot your password.”
    • If you do not have an account with GSA, you may create one.
  • Once logged in, click the white “My Account” button on the top right corner of the page.
  • Click “My GSA Dashboard” and then “Register for an Event” to begin the registration process.

*If you have previously been active with The Gerontological Society of America, you should have an existing account. If unsure, click “Forgot your password” to see if your e-mail address is in the system.

Upcoming Career Conversations

Approaches to Effective Mentoring  

Tuesday, October 10, 2023
1 to 2 p.m. ET
See registration instructions above
Free for Members; $25 Registration for Non-Members

Do you engage in mentoring activities in your professional development? Join us on October 10th from 1-2pm EST for our Career Conversation, “Approaches to effective mentoring.” Our panelists will share their perspectives on mentoring philosophies and approaches, as well as practical tips, facilitators and barriers to effective mentoring. Time will be included for audience questions.

Presented by:

  • Linda Pololi, MBBS, FRCP, Distinguished Research Scientist, Brandeis University, Director, The National Initiative on Gender, Culture and Leadership in Medicine: C-Change
  • Sandra Torres, PhD, FGSA, Professor of Sociology & Chair in Social Gerontology (Uppsala University)
  • Margaret Wallhagen, PhD, GNP-BC, AGSF, FGSA, FAAN, Professor, Department of Physiological Nursing, University of California, San Francisco 

Career Conversations Archive

Advancing Gerontological Expertise through Scholarship (AGES): A New Mentorship Program

August 17, 2023

  • The archived Career Conversation (link to YouTube)

    Are you a new or early career faculty member wanting to increase your scholarly productivity? Join us for our upcoming Career Conversation to learn about our Advancing Gerontological Expertise through Scholarship (AGES) Program. This program provides mentorship, motivational speakers, peer support, and enhances productivity through co-authorship opportunities! Time will be included for audience questions about the program and application process.

    Presented by:
  • Juanita Bacsu, PhD, Tier II Canada Research Chair in Nursing and Population Health, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, Thompson Rivers University
  • Matthew Lee Smith, PhD, MPH, CHES, CHW-I, FGSA, Associate Professor, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University

Non-Academic Careers in Gerontology: Policy Edition

July 26, 2023

Career Conversations is back again to discuss gerontology careers outside of the university setting! Join us for the next Career Conversation, "Non-Academic Careers in Gerontology: Policy Edition." Our panelists have roles within different organizations focused on applied research and evaluation, advocacy, and public policy. Time will be included for audience questions.

Presented by:

  • Christopher S. Marcum, PhD, MS, FGSA, Senior Statistician and Science Policy Analyst, White House Office of Management and Budget, Office the Chief Statistician of the United States
  • Karon L. Phillips, PhD, MPH, CHES, FGSA, Policy Development Manager, Trust for America's Health
  • Sarah Ruiz, PhD, Senior Program Officer, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute

Interviewing for Your First Tenure Track Position

June 22, 2023

Are you planning to apply for your first tenure track position in the basic, social, or health sciences? Join us for our Career Conversation, “Interviewing for your First Tenure Track Position.” Our panelists have backgrounds in basic, social, and health sciences and represent various perspectives on the interview process including a recent tenure track applicant, a mentor, and a search and screen committee member. Time will be included for audience questions. 

Presented by: 

  • Barbara King, PhD, RN, School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin – Madison
  • Charles Mobbs, PhD, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
  • Anju Paudel PhD, MGS, RN, Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, Penn State

This program is sponsored by the GSA Career Conversations Workgroup. 

Top Tips for Opening a Research Center

June 6, 2023

Wondering how to open a research center, but not sure how to get started? Join us for our Career Conversation, “Top Tips for Opening a Research Center.”  During this session, our diverse panelists will share their innovative strategies and experiences on establishing a research centre. Time will be included for audience questions. Presenters include:

Presented by: 

  • Goldie Byrd, PhD, Wake Forest University School of Medicine
  • Patricia Heyn, PhD, Marymount University
  • Stephen Katz, PhD, Trent University
  • Peter Lichtenberg, PhD, Wayne State University
  • Juanita Bacsu, PhD, Thompson Rivers University (Moderator)

This program is sponsored by the GSA Career Conversations Workgroup. 

Using Social Media to Share Research: Strategies, Tips, and Techniques 

April 26, 2023

Wondering how to communicate your research on social media? Join us for our upcoming session, “Using Social Media to Share Research: Strategies, Tips, and Techniques.” During this session, our diverse panelists will share their innovative strategies and insights to promote research on social media. Time will be included for questions from the audience.

Presented by:

  • Louise Aronson, MD, MFA, Professor, Division of Geriatrics, University of California, San Francisco
  • Fayron Epps, PhD, RN, FGSA, FAAN, Associate Professor and Director of Community & Research Engagement, Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University
  • Alex Smith, MD, MS, MPH, Professor of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, University of California, San Francisco
  • Juanita Bacsu, PhD, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, Tier II Canada Research Chair in Nursing and Population Health, Thompson Rivers University (Moderator)

Developed by the GSA Career Conversations Workgroup

Finding the Right Fit: Recruiting Post Docs and Students

April 18, 2023

Finding that “just right” person for a role can take time, patience and a lot of work. If you are responsible for building a team or will be soon, join us for our next Career Conversation, “Finding the Right Fit: Recruiting Post Docs and Students.” During this interactive discussion, our panelists who come from different backgrounds and disciplines in gerontology, will share what they look for in candidates and how they ultimately determine who to admit or hire, including strategies and tools to enhance the recruitment process and assess candidates. Whether you are new to the recruiting process, experienced in hiring graduate students or postdocs, or a trainee looking to learn more about the recruitment and hiring, this conversation is for you!  Time will be provided for questions from the audience and we encourage you to share resources.

Presented by:

  • Olivio J. Clay, PhD, FGSA, Professor of Psychology, Director, Developmental Psychology doctoral program, University of Alabama at Birmingham
  • Nancy W. Glynn, PhD, FGSA, Associate Professor of Epidemiology and Director, Master’s Degree Programs, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health

This program is sponsored by the GSA Career Conversations Workgroup.

It's Never Too Early to Start:  Exploring the Non-Financial Aspects of Retirement

January 24, 2023

Wondering what it means to be retired?  When should you start planning for your own retirement?  Join us for our Career Conversation, It's Never Too Early to Start: Exploring the Non-Financial Aspects of Retirement where our panel of GSA members will share how they have approached their own retirement journey and share tips for a successful transition to retirement. Time will be provided for audience questions. This session is for members at all stages of their careers. 

Presented by:

  • Mary Heye, RN, PhD
  • Harvey Sterns, PhD, FAGHE, FGSA, Professor Emeritus of Psychology, The University of Akron

Surviving and Thriving: Succeeding in Your First Academic Position

September 22, 2022

Are you a new or early career faculty member wondering how to juggle tasks and succeed in your first academic job? Join us for our upcoming session, Surviving and Thriving: Succeeding in Your First Academic Position. During this session, our diverse panelists will share their insights and perspectives on how to overcome hurdles and succeed in academia. We will also be launching a new action-based mentorship initiative focused on supporting early career faculty members! Time will be included for questions from participants.  
 
Presented by: 

  • Rachel Herron, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Geography and Environment, Brandon University 
  • Stephen Katz, PhD, Professor (Emeritus), Dept of Sociology and Trent Centre for Aging & Society, Trent University 
  • Chivon Mingo, PhD, Assistant Professor, The Gerontology Institute, Georgia State University 

GSA's Career Conversations feature an exchange of ideas about issues and strategies to build a successful career in gerontology.  Through semi-structured interviews, panels, and discussions, Career Conversations bring together students, early- and mid-career gerontologists, and experienced researchers and leaders in gerontology.
 
This program is sponsored by the GSA Career Conversations Workgroup. 

Setting Boundaries and Balancing ‘Work/Life’ Responsibilities

August 30, 2022

“Work/Life Balance.” The holy grail so many seek. Does it exist? How do we achieve it? Join us for our Career Conversation, Setting Boundaries and Balancing ‘Work/Life’ Responsibilities where our panel of GSA members will share how they have approached this ongoing challenge and strategies they have used in their careers and family lives. Time will be provided for audience questions.

Presented by:  

  • Faika Zanjani PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Gerontology, College of Health Professions, Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Stephen K. Shuman, DDS, MS, Professor & Director, Oral Health Services for Older Adults Program, School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota
  • Elsa S. Strotmeyer, PhD, MPH, Associate Professor, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh

Developed by the GSA Career Conversations Workgroup

Working with the Media: Top Tricks and Tips

June 22, 2022

Are you interested in working with the media to share your research findings, but are not sure how to get the word out or have no idea what to expect in an interview? During this session, our diverse panelists will share ways to engage media with your research and identify tips to prepare for an interview! Time will be provided for audience questions.   

Presented by:

  • Todd Kluss, MA, Director of Communications, Editor-in-Chief Gerontology News, The Gerontological Society of America
  • Tam Perry, PhD, FGSA, Associate Professor, School of Social Work, Wayne State University  
  • L. Michael Posey, BSPharm, MA, President, PENS Pharmacy Editorial and News Service 

Developed by the GSA Career Conversations Workgroup

Making the Most Out of Your Post-Doc

May 16, 2022

Have you decided to do a post-doc, but feel like you have no idea what to expect? Join us for our upcoming session, Making the Most Out of Your Post-Doc. During this session, our panelists from a range of disciplines will share their insights and perspectives on how to maximize on your post-doc experience to jumpstart your career. Time will be included for questions from participants.

Panelists:

  • Ulla Kriebernegg, PhD, Director, Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Aging and Care, University of Graz, Austria
  • Komal Murali, PhD, Post-Doctoral Fellow, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY            
  • Christine Ponder, PhD, Senior Director, Research Affairs, Office of the Vice Provost for Research, New York University, New York, NY

Career Conversations Meets Grant Chats: NIA Small Business Resources to Support Innovation in Aging

April 12, 2022

During the session, presenter Dr. Saroj Regmi, will share information about the NIA’s Office of Strategic Extramural Programs which manages both the training and small business programs at the NIA. The office provides guidance and funding opportunities for small businesses as well as early-career scientists to accelerate Alzheimer’s and aging research. This session is a follow up to the “Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Aging” Career Conversation held in February. Watch the recording here.

Presented by:

  • Saroj Regmi, PhD, Program Officer, Office of Strategic Extramural Programs (OSEP), National Institute on Aging (NIA) – National Institutes of Health (NIH)

This program is co-sponsored by the GSA Career Conversations Workgroup and the GSA Grant Chats Workgroup.

Negotiating Your First Academic Job Offer

March 23, 2022

Ever wondered how to negotiate your first academic job offer? If you are on the job market and looking to secure your first academic position, join us for our next Career Conversation. During this session, our panelists will share their insights and perspectives on how to navigate your academic job offer. Time will be included for questions from participants.

Presented by:

  • Shanthi Johnson, PhD, RD, FDC, FACSM, FGSA, Professor and Dean, School of Public Health at the University of Alberta
  • Elvin T. Price, PhD, PharmD, FAHA, Associate Professor and Director of the Geriatric Pharmacotherapy Program, Virginia Commonwealth University  
  • Dena Schulman-Green, MA, EdM, MS, PhD, Associate Professor, New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing
  • Mark Skinner, PhD, Professor and Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, Trent University

This program is sponsored by the GSA Career Conversations Workgroup.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Aging

Monday, February 28, 2022

Ever wondered what it takes to start your own business or develop a business enterprise around an innovation in aging? Are you working on an issue in aging that could be addressed by a business idea?  During the Career Conversation, "Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Aging," our three GSA member panelists will share their experiences as entrepreneurs and innovators and answer questions from participants.

Presented by:

  • Walter Boot, PhD, FGSA, Professor of Psychology, Florida State University
  • Regina C. Foster, PA-C, MS, LALFA, CDP, CADDCT, Foster Senior Services
  • Lydia Manning, PhD, Vice President of Gerontology, Dele Health Tech

This program is sponsored by the GSA Career Conversations Workgroup.

Building Your Professional Network in Gerontology

Friday, November 5, 2021

Professional networking is often touted as an essential career development skill, but are there tips for networking more effectively? This Career Conversation is offered in advance of the GSA Annual Scientific Meeting to help you make the most of this and other networking opportunities in gerontology. During this session, the three GSA member panelists will discuss strategies to build and maintain your professional network and answer questions from participants.

Presented by:

  • Odichinma Akosionu, MPH, PhD candidate, University of Minnesota, School of Public Health, Director of Operations, The Research in Color Foundation
  • Andrea Gilmore-Bykovskyi, PhD, RN, Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • Patricia W. Slattum, PharmD, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Virginia Commonwealth University and Visiting Scholar, Gerontological Society of America 

This program is sponsored by the GSA Mentoring Consultancies Workgroup.

75 Years of Building the Field of Gerontology: Where We Were, Were We’re Going

Monday, October 18, 2021

This Career Conversation will celebrate The Gerontological Society of America's 75th Anniversary. We will showcase the expansive field of gerontology by engaging in dialogue with GSA leaders who will share their experiences and perspectives of the field. Through a collaborative discussion, we will highlight innovations that contribute to healthy aging and envision future initiatives to improve the lives of older adults.

Presented by:

  • Susan Reinhard, RN, PhD, FGSA, FAAN, Senior Vice President and Director, AARP Public Policy Institute, and Chief Strategist, Center to Champion Nursing in America and Family Caregiver Initiatives
  • Philip A. Rozario, PhD, FGSA, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor, Adelphi University, School of Social Work
  • George E. Taffet, MD, FGSA, FACP, Professor in Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine

This program is co-sponsored by ESPO and the GSA Mentoring Consultancies Workgroup.

Non-Academic Careers in Gerontology

August 5, 2021

The aging field is diverse and has many career paths to pursue. While many GSA members choose a career in academia, others opt to apply their talents and passions in different arenas. If you are interested in exploring careers outside of higher education, join us for our next Career Conversation, “Non-Academic Careers in Gerontology.” During this session, you will meet three GSA members who will discuss their work in non-academic settings and their career path. Time will be included for questions from participants. This session is intended for GSA members at all career levels.

Presented by:

  • Amy Eisenstein, PhD, FGSA, Senior Program Officer, RRF Foundation for Aging
  • Bret Hicken, PhD, MSPH, Aging Program Manager, VHA Office of Rural Health, Veterans Rural Health Resource Center- Salt Lake City
  • Ivana A Vaughn, PhD, MPH, Senior Health Care Analyst- Health Economist, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

This program is sponsored by the GSA Mentoring Consultancies Workgroup.

Moving into Academic Leadership Roles

June 23, 2021

If you have considered leveraging your skills and experience as a gerontologist into a leadership role in academia, join us for our next Career Conversation. During this session, three GSA members at different points in their leadership journeys will discuss their career paths and share their experiences and perspectives on how to transition into leadership positions. Time will be included for questions from participants. This session is intended for GSA members at all career levels.

Presented by:

  • Tracey Gendron, PhD, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Gerontology, Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Nancy P. Kropf, PhD, FGSA, Dean of Perimeter College and Professor in the School of Social Work, Georgia State University
  • Keith E. Whitfield, PhD, FGSA, President and Professor of Psychology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

This program is sponsored by the GSA Mentoring Consultancies Workgroup.

Mentorship: Developing Reciprocal and Productive Relationships

March 29, 2021

What are the secrets to a positive mentoring relationship? Why are some relationships productive and thrive, while others fizzle? Gain insights and tips from GSA mentoring award recipients and experienced mentees who will share their experiences and perspectives on how to develop mutually beneficial mentoring relationships. This session is intended for GSA members at all career levels.

Presented by:

  • Kalisha Bonds Johnson, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow, Emory University, ESPO Vice Chair-Elect
  • Marilyn Gugliucci, PhD, FAGHE, FGSA, Professor and Director, Geriatrics Research, University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2012 Recipient of the AGHE Hiram J. Friedsam Mentorship Award
  • Darina Petrovsky, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Pennsylvania, ESPO Chair
  • Roland Thorpe, PhD, FGSA, Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 2020 Recipient of the GSA Minority Issues in Gerontology Advisory Panel Mentorship Award

This program is co-sponsored by the GSA Mentoring Consultancies Workgroup and ESPO.

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